Melanotan II (10mg)

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring peptide hormone. It was developed by researchers at the University of Arizona as part of a program to investigate compounds that could stimulate melanin production. MT-II acts on multiple melanocortin receptors and has since become one of the most widely studied peptides in the areas of tanning, sexual function, and appetite regulation.

Melanotan II — also written as Melanotan 2 using the Arabic numeral — is commonly abbreviated as MT-II or MT2. Both 'Melanotan II' and 'Melanotan 2' refer to exactly the same compound; the numeral style simply reflects different search conventions. It is sometimes referred to as the 'tanning peptide' or 'Barbie drug' in popular media. It should not be confused with Melanotan I (afamelanotide), which is a related but distinct compound with a narrower receptor activity profile.

MT-II acts as a non-selective agonist at the melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R). Activation of MC1R stimulates melanin synthesis in skin cells, producing a tan without UV exposure. Activation of MC4R is associated with the observed effects on libido, arousal, and appetite suppression. This broad receptor activity is what gives MT-II its diverse research profile.

Research into MT-II has documented three primary areas of activity: significant tanning responses through melanin stimulation without sun exposure; enhanced sexual arousal and libido via MC4R activation; and appetite suppression with corresponding reductions in food intake. Studies have also noted effects on mood and motivational drive, attributed to central melanocortin system activity.

Melanotan II is supplied as a lyophilized powder and should be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) before use. Inject the BAC water slowly along the inside wall of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder. Gently swirl to dissolve; do not shake. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, see our complete peptide reconstitution guide.

Store lyophilized MT-II vials at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution with BAC water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Do not freeze the reconstituted solution.

Melanotan II (10mg) is available through Aussie Peptides with fast domestic shipping to all Australian states and territories. Every vial is dispatched from within Australia — no customs delays or international freight. Each batch is third-party tested to ≥99% purity, with the Certificate of Analysis available in our CoA library.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a selective MC1R agonist focused primarily on skin pigmentation. Melanotan II (Melanotan 2) is a non-selective melanocortin agonist that acts across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R — giving it a broader activity profile that includes tanning, libido, appetite suppression, and mood effects. MT-II has a shorter half-life than Melanotan I and is more widely studied across multiple research domains. Researchers in Australia searching for MT1 peptide Australia are typically looking for afamelanotide (Melanotan I) — a distinct compound to the MT-II (Melanotan 2) supplied by Aussie Peptides.